Unlike any other day, the 10th of March 2021 was so significant to a little family residing somewhere in Africa. It had been 9 long months of great anticipation. On this fine morning, the pine trees surrounding their humble abode bent willingly in submission to the mighty force of the wind as the iron sheets flapped as though ready to head for the sky. Soon a thick cloud of dust enveloped the vicinity as poorly erected structures threatened to succumb to the wind. Undoubtingly, something unusual was bound to happen. Before the cock could remind the villagers, who were clasping for their blankets to be warmed, of the onset of dawn, a loud cry pierced through the cold air. It was the voice of a baby. A new member added to the family of two. Shouts of joy emanated from the house. No more will barrenness claim a portion in this home.
We have heard of babies being born, of course, wonderful stories indeed. So instead, we’ll focus on grown ups being born again! But how can these things be? Can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born? John 3:4. We learn of this new birth from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Its occurrence is very significant, "for except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3. Jesus says, if we haven’t been born again we can’t even see spiritual things Matthew 13:13-15; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
How can these things be?
I suggest that this new birth is conversion. Its importance having been clearly laid out, understanding how to be converted or be born again remains to be our aim. And what better way to understand these things than to listen to Jesus speak about them? So let’s jump right into it.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit John 3:5-6
We first need to acknowledge that this conversion experience is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Since no one gave birth to himself, in like manner, no one can convert himself.
So how can we avail ourselves of the Holy Spirit to work this change in us?
“…And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14-15.
Jesus refers us to a story in Numbers 21:4-9
As the Israelites were journeying in the wilderness, they indulged the spirit of discontent and were disposed to find fault even with their blessings. "And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread." So God sends fiery serpents among the people, many are bitten and die. They therefore go to Moses, and plead with him to intercede for them that serpents be taken away. Moses prays for the people and God instructs him to make a brazen serpent and set it upon a pole: “and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” So Moses does this and when the people do as they were told, they lived.
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32
The lifted serpent symbolized Jesus. When we take a look at the uplifted Savior and focus on Him, something is going to happen, the Holy Spirit is going to work in us. There’s life and healing and forgiveness in the look John 1:29. Therefore spending sometime on an ongoing basis looking at the life of Jesus is where we are to begin and end. As we focus on Him, He promises to do for us what we can’t do of ourselves: conversion.
Christianity is not about what you do, its about who you know. Its all about a personal relationship with Jesus who then works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure Phil 2:13. Conversion should be a daily experience. Question, are you beholding the uplifted Savior? Are you being converted?
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